Esther 4 - Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible

Mordecai's Appeal to Esther to Save her Countrymen

1. When Mordecai perceived] His position at the door of the palace (href='190 2:21'>Est 2:21) would enable him to obtain early intelligence.

Even before] better, 'as far as before.' The LXX adds, 'and stopped.'

The street] RV 'the broad place': and so in Esther 6:9; Esther 6:11.

One law of his] RV 'one law for him': i.e. who approached the king without leave given.

Then shall there enlargement, etc.] RV 'Then shall relief,' etc. Mordecai's speech, though no mention is made in it of God, nevertheless breathes a spirit of trust in His Providence, and expresses a conviction that help will come from some unperceived quarter.

But thou.. destroyed] Divine judgment would overtake her if she neglected her duty to her countrymen. Whether.. as this] i.e. who knows whether thou hast not been raised to the throne by God for the express purpose of averting the dangers threatening at the present crisis?

Fast ye for me] Fasting was an accompaniment of prayer (cp. Ezra 8:23; Nehemiah 1:4), and Esther's request was for united prayer on her behalf. If I perish, I perish] Esther proceeded on her dangerous venture in a spirit of resignation.